Cultural
Differences:
Asian
Social Customs
Asia
consists of many ancient cultures with diverse religions, beliefs and life philosophies.
Despite
their many unique attributes, there are some broad
similarities among these interesting peoples that carry (more or less)
throughout the Asia region.
Just
as simplistically, broad generalizations are commonly created of the region comprising
the distinct countries of Europe and North America (the west). Despite
their many differences, there are also some clear similarities.
Human beings in both the east and west share
a lot more similarities than differences. However, the
differences are important to understand because not only are they
very interesting but they can have tremendous impact on how
business is done and social life enjoyed. Some of the more
noticeable of these from a social perspective are listed
below.
.
SOCIAL
BEHAVIOUR:
Difference
1:
Expressing Opinions
Westerners - believe it is important to speak directly about issues in a straightforward manner.
Asians - often discuss issues indirectly especially if there is the potential of
creating conflict.
Difference
2:
Group Behaviour
Westerners
- are considered more individualistic, thinking more of themselves and
their own needs and objectives. They are comfortable making decisions and taking
actions without the advice or support of others.
Asians
- feel more comfortable as part of a group. They actively seek the
counsel and direct assistance of other people about both personal and
business issues.
Difference
3:
Ordinary Emotions
Westerners
- are comfortable displaying a full range of diverse emotions like joy and
sadness in an expressive manner. Their facial expressions often
change frequently during conversations. They can be offensive
when angry.
Asians - habitually don’t like to express emotions outwardly. Their facial expressions change less often during conversations. They
don't like appearing angry in public.
Difference
4:
Intense Emotions
Westerners - can quickly
become infuriated and express strong emotions in loud and sometimes
aggressive manners that appear provocative to non-westerners.
But they usually quickly calm down when the offense has been
rectified and rarely seek violent revenge afterward.
Asians - seldom exhibit extreme
emotions and strive to be seem polite and controlled even in the
face of severe
ill-treatment. When finally pushed over the limit, they can
become destructive to others.
Difference
5:
Group Behaviour
Westerners - generally speak softly at public social functions and in restaurants to companions and waiters. Group sizes are
usually small.
Asians - can be loud and exuberant when with friends and co-workers at public locations. Noisy revelry in large groups is common at
restaurants and social occasions.
Difference
6:
Relationships
Westerners - are more at ease with casual relationships that are
friendly and professional but not too deep.
Asians - desire to make strong emotional relationships with others and keep them for life.
Difference
7:
Loyalties
Westerners - claim to put the needs of their organization ahead of the needs of single individuals including themselves.
Asians - believe relationships are personal and people are more important than impersonal entities.
PERSONAL
HABITS:
Difference
1:
Diet
Westerners - replacing high-calorie western cooking for healthier Asian cuisine partly to trim down their girth.
Asians - switching unfortunately to
high-calorie/fatty western foods and gaining weight.
Difference
2:
Meals
Westerners
- regularly eat breakfast in a hurry and lunch in front of a computer.
Dinner is the only meal that is eaten with others in a somewhat formal
manner.
Asians - expect to dine with others at a seated table 3 times per day with snack breaks at specific times.
Difference
3:
Holidays
Westerners
- believe weekends and holidays are for “getting away from it all” so
they can unwind and relax by themselves or with a small number of close
relatives or friends.
Asians - think noisy, crowded places like shopping
centres and big social gatherings are ideal for
spending weekends.
Difference
4:
Queuing
Westerners - automatically form themselves into a line when at cashier counters and help desks.
Asians
- don’t think waiting in line is important if they just have a quick
issue to deal with or they know someone behind the counter.
TREATMENT OF
OTHERS:
Difference
1:
Colleagues and Co-workers
Westerners
- believe it is impractical to have deep relationships with everyone
they work with although they hold them in high professional regard.
They generally form close relationships with only a few people who have
similar tastes and interests.
Asians - often form close emotional bonds with people they go to school with
and work with that
last a lifetime.
Difference
2:
Foreigners
Westerners - generally feel that foreigners to their country should conform to their manner of doing things.
Asians - generally indulge foreigners as honoured guests to their countries
and exempt them from most local social constraints. They allow
foreigners to do whatever they wish without much worry of consequences.
Difference
3:
Children
Western children - are expected to become self-reliant and make their own way in the world when
they become adults.
Asian children - can expect parent
to continue supporting them over their entire life.
Difference
4:
Parents
Western parents
- feel it is improper to direct the lives of their adult children and
only give advice when asked to do so. They should also not expect to
live off their offspring in old age.
Asian parents
- feel their guidance is important to ensure the success of children
throughout their entire lives. Children who succeed in life should
naturally assist their parents in old age.
Difference
5:
Elderly
Westerners
- believe adults, old and young, should be responsible for their own
needs and strive not to be a burden on family members or friends.
Asians - expect to care for elderly parents and anticipate being cared for when they are old.
Difference
6:
Casual Acquaintances
Westerners - believe common courtesies such as having a chat with a complete stranger and giving way to others are important.
Asians
- are used to living in crowded environments where it is impractical to
be overly concerned with people you will only see once in your
life.
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